Multi-level simple lotto

ABSTRACT

In a lotto game the lotto draw is made from numbers within a multiplicity universes of numbers, with (1) each number universe having all the numbers normal to the lotto game, and with (2) at least one number universe having associated with at least one number of the universe a secondary indicia, or differentiator, that of one or more types each of which types is called a “color”. No two numbers of the lotto draw are the same whether plain or colored, but the lotto draw of different numbers can contain one or more numbers that are each of the one or more colors. Lotto wagers, or tickets, containing winning numbers matching the lotto draw sufficient for a winning payout are paid full normal amounts if the matched numbers are all plain numbers, but if the winning numbers of the lotto ticket contain some predetermined quantity of numbers that match numbers of the lotto draw that are colored numbers, then the winning payout is increased above levels that would correspondingly have been paid should the same winning payout of the lotto ticket have matched only numbers of the lotto draw that were plain numbers.

REFERENCE TO A RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present application is related as a continuation-in-part to U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/268,826 filed Nov. 11, 2005, for ELECTRONIC VIDEO POKER USING MULTIPLE DECKS OF CARDS HAVING BOTH CONVENTIONAL PRIMARY AND ADDITIONAL, SECONDARY, IDENTITIES IN ORDER TO RESPECTIVELY MAKE BOTH CONVENTIONAL NORMAL, AND SPECIAL JACKPOT, PAY-OUTS. Said application Ser. No. 10/268,826 is itself a continuation-in-part of U.S. utility patent applications Ser. No. 11/194,712 filed Aug. 2, 2005, and Ser. No. 11/196,825 filed Aug. 4, 2005, for WORLDWIDE ELECTRONIC VIDEO POKER, now abandoned.

The present application is also related to U.S. utility patent applications Ser. No. ______ for INCREMENTAL INCREASING LEVELS OF PLAY, NADA (LOSING HAND) PAYOUT, AND STAND ALONE AND/OR LINKED PROGRESSIVE-JACKPOT ELECTRONIC VIDEO POKER GAMES, and Ser. No. ______ for MULTI-LEVEL SIMPLE KENO both filed on an even date with the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present and related predecessor inventions and applications have to do with, and relate to, the general field of casino gaming, and more particularly to casino Lotto, the more common term applied to games based upon what is best described as a Lottery, as more fully described herein below, usually played either at a table, live action, or on an electronic computer system, usually in the form of an electronic gaming station or electronic video machine, for example, an electronic video lotto machine.

The predecessor U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/268,826 filed Nov. 11, 2005, for ELECTRONIC VIDEO POKER USING MULTIPLE DECKS OF CARDS HAVING BOTH CONVENTIONAL PRIMARY AND ADDITIONAL, SECONDARY, IDENTITIES IN ORDER TO RESPECTIVELY MAKE BOTH CONVENTIONAL NORMAL, AND SPECIAL JACKPOT, PAY-OUTS particularly concerns a gambling method, and a computer system, for playing casino electronic poker where the poker cards have both (1) conventional primary identities upon which primary identities normal and conventional payouts are based in a conventional manner, and where these same poker cards also have (2) secondary identities, non-conflicting with and ancillary to the primary identities, upon which secondary identities new and unconventional “jackpot” payouts are based.

The present invention and application particularly concern new variations, using the same methods, applied to the play of electronic, casino, Lotto, that are realizable in accordance with the predecessor and related inventions. These embodiments are perceived to offer unique features that are (1) both exciting and attractive to players of table and electronic Lotto, and (2) profitable for a gaming establishment in that the new games generally induce and permit increases, to such degree as may be desired, in each and any of the Lotto table or Lotto machine average wager, wagering rate, gross earnings, and/or earnings rate.

2. Background of the Invention

2.1 Casino Lotto

The games of the present invention have to do with and relate to the general field of casino gaming (wagering/betting), and particularly to casino Lotto, both live-action table play and electronic video Lotto play. Lotto is a popular casino game, however it has drawbacks, as noted below, all of which this present invention remedies. Lotto especially lends itself to play in a wagering/betting environment because the play of the game is entirely dependent upon the deal from, in almost all cases, of and from a defined universe of numbers. In the customary game of Lotto, there can be a variety of numbers in the universe, being a pool of different numbers, in table play often embossed on balls and in video play so represented, on screen, in the electronic video version of the game. Usually, this universe of different numbers ranges in quantity from four (4) numbers to forty-nine (49) numbers, there being no fixed number per se. Still, standard casino Lotto is today played with the four (4), six (6), eight (8), ten (10), or more numbers, up to the stated forty-nine (49) numbers. The method put forward in the present invention, of course, finds equal application in any and all versions of Lotto.

With specific regard to the name Lotto, this is in a sense an abbreviation of the term Lottery, with roots in the Chinese Lottery. One reason not all casinos in the United States offer Lotto is that several States have enacted Lottery laws, and these laws usually give the exclusive right to run a Lottery, meaning Lotto, to the State. And, in most States that do run a Lottery, the most popular form is 6/49, meaning the number universe is made up of forty-nine (49) different numbers and the action or play and wager is based upon six (6) numbers.

As to what is referred to as the deal of and from the aforesaid defined universe of numbers, it is meant that in the play of Lotto, a certain few of numbers are at random selected and drawn of and from the said universe of numbers, and, in the usual course, some one (1) to six (6), or more, numbers are at random drawn of and from the aforesaid universe of numbers, in one drawing involving all the numbers to be so selected, leaving the balance of the unselected numbers un-drawn. In this format of Lotto, none of the numbers drawn are returned to the pool, hence there is no chance of any one number being selected twice.

Again, the quantity of numbers so drawn, and the quantity of numbers in the overall universe of numbers to draw from, are not fixed nor controlling, and, indeed, there are several variations in these numbers, however, as already mentioned, this invention finds equal application in any and all of these Lotto game varieties. Thus, it is this selection of some of the numbers out of the universe of numbers that is known as the deal and draw aspect of the play of Lotto (sometimes just referred to as the deal), and the deal and draw of numbers is critical to the game and the integrity of the deal and draw process must be preserved as a primary element in the play of any Lotto, live action or electronic. More details are provided below.

In the casino play of Lotto, live action table play or electronic video, the player pre-selects his or her preferred number or numbers, identifying, in the ordinary course, from one (1) number to six (6) numbers, usually recording this selection on paper in table play or onscreen in electronic video Lotto, and, at or about the same time, places a wager, any amount, betting that his or her pre-selected number or number(s) will be matched in the forthcoming deal and draw of Lotto numbers. Here, as in most Lotto's, there is but one drawing, per the above, with no one number subject to being called twice. If the player, in the ordinary course, matches his or her pre-selected numbers, he or she is designated a winner of either a large jackpot award or some other, lesser award. To win the jackpot, in the usual course of play, the player would have to match all of his or her numbers and, at the same time, have wagered on more than just a few numbers, usually six (6) numbers, in order to win “big.”

Hence, in ordinary Lotto play, players are presented with the following:

-   -   Pre-Selection of 1 Number usually involves a Universe of 4         numbers, more or less,     -   Pre-Selection of 2 Numbers usually involves a Universe of 4         numbers, more or less,     -   Pre-Selection of 3 Numbers usually involves a Universe of 4         numbers, more or less,     -   Pre-Selection of 4 Numbers usually involves a Universe of 4         numbers, more or less,     -   Pre-Selection of 5 Numbers usually involves a Universe of 5         numbers, more or less,     -   Pre-Selection of 6 Numbers usually involves a Universe of 6         numbers, more of less, up to 49 numbers in high stakes Lotto.

Note that in Lotto, in the usual course, the numbers, both pre-selected, per the above, and within the universe of numbers for the game, are single digit, 1-digit numbers. There are Lotto's, however, that involve a 2-digit, single number OR a 3-digit, single number for pre-selection, and, in these games, in order to match the said pre-selected numbers, there are employed 2 draws in 2-digit Lotto and 3 draws in 3-digit Lotto. Here, there are two variations: in the first the numbers drawn are not returned to the pool of numbers prior to calling the next number, hence there is no chance of calling the same number twice AND in the second variation, once a number is selected during the drawing process it is returned to the pool of numbers before any other numbers are drawn, hence the same number can be drawn more than just once. The present invention has equal application in all varieties of Lotto, including all of the above-mentioned versions.

In these 2-digit and 3-digit Lotto's, in the ordinary course, it should be stated that the player actually pre-selects one (1) number (2-digit or 3-digit, depending upon the game) to match in the play of the game on the draws of numbers from the universe of numbers employed. Hence, in 2-digit Lotto, the player's pre-selected number could be, for example, 24, and the universe of numbers, for example, could include ten (10) numbers, zero (0) to nine (9). So, the first draw would be the chance to match the digit 2 in the pre-selected number and the second draw would be the chance to match the digit 4 in the pre-selected number, all in order to ascertain whether or not the player's pre-selected 2-digit number 24 was or was not matched and, thus, a winner. There are in this sort of Lotto, then, more than one drawing process, and drawn numbers can either (a) not be returned to the pool of numbers before the next number is selected, so that no number may be drawn twice, or (b) returned to the pool before the next number is selected. More on this aspect of Lotto appears below. Much the same obtains in 3-digit, single number Lotto, and similar Lotto's.

By way of background, it is commonly understood that the modern game of Lotto finds its origin in what is known as the Chinese Lottery. The Chinese Lottery is understood by most people to have started centuries ago, and, as in Lotto, a pool of numbers was used, along with player pre-selection, and a deal draw, to wager on the outcome of the number draw, and to identify both winners and losers. The game was traditionally played as a para-mutual game wherein the pool of money wagered on the game by all players was used to defray costs and expenses of play and award all the winners in the deal and draw. The Chinese Lottery, in its traditional form, is still played around the world today, often referred to in the street as “the numbers game.” Modem casino Lotto can be played as a para-mutual game and or on any other gambling format, and, of course, the present invention finds equal application in any of the same.

It should be noted, then, that this very popular game of Lotto, or “Lottery,” has a long history and is popular both in and outside of the United States.

An example of a popular Lotto game in the United States is as follows: In the play of what is customarily referred to as 6/49 Lotto, wherein the player pre-selects six (6) numbers against a single deal draw of six numbers of and from one universe of forty-nine (49) numbers, no number subject to being called twice, the probabilities are as follows: $\frac{6 \times 5 \times 4 \times 3 \times 2}{49 \times 48 \times 47 \times 46 \times 45 \times 44}\quad{or}\quad 1\quad{in}\quad 13,983,816.$

As can be seen, the odds of winning such a Lotto are very long, and this fact is not lost on the average player. Of course, this sort of Lotto does indeed pay a high award or jackpot; however the player perception is that it is very nearly impossible to actually win such a game. Jackpots, in para-mutual or other lottery, in this sort of Lotto, run in the millions of dollars.

The odds of winning other similar Lotto's are likewise calculated with the following formula: n!/(n−r)!r! where n is the highest number and r is the quantity of numbers in the universe. In math, this is known as a combination. So, by way of example, if there are forty (40) numbers in the number universe and six (6) are subject to the deal and draw, and the player's pre-selection and bet process, there are, then, forty (40) different numbers that can be drawn first, leaving thirty-nine (39) remaining un-drawn numbers in the universe, any one of which can come up second, followed by 38, 37, 36, and 35 on the final number. To calculate the probabilities, then, of, say, this forty (40) number Lotto, the following obtains: 40×39×38×37×36×35=2,763,633,600 making the final odds of winning approximately 2.5 billion to 1 (actually 2,763,633,600-1). However, the numbers in the usual course of a Lotto game, need not be dealt and matched in exact order, hence to calculate the odds of winning, the following obtains: in that are six (6) possibilities for the initial number, five for the second, 4 for the third, 3 for the fourth, 2 for the fifth, and 1 for the sixth, it works as follows: 6×5×4×3×2×1=720, making the final odds of winning in this Lotto 2,763,633,600÷720=3,838,380 to 1. Of course, this sort of Lotto does pay a high award or jackpot, however the player perception, as noted above, is that it is very nearly impossible to actually win such a game. Jackpots, in para-mutual or other lottery, in this sort of Lotto, run in the millions of dollars.

An example of another common Lotto game has a smaller quantity of numbers in the number universe, and, of course, has a much lower odds of a player winning, however the awards paid for any such win are dramatically lower. Here is an example:

For instance, in a 3-digit Lotto game, where the object is to pick the correct number from 000 to 999, one's chance of winning is 1:1000. This is the same as if the Lotto game were played with a 1000 number universe, drawing just one number. However, the player perception of this sort of game would be more pessimistic than the player perception of the same the Lotto game known as 3-digit, single number Lotto. In this 3-digit, single number Lotto game, the number universe is made up of only the numbers zero (0) through nine (9), being ten (10) numbers in total, and there are three consecutive draws to thereby arrive at the final 3-digit, single winning number, and, of course, any player in this Lotto would be required to pre-select and wager on his or her chosen 3 digit, single number, for example, the number 243. Jackpot awards are usually in the area of 250 credits for 1 credit wagered to 500 credits, for matching all three digits of the number in play, hence payouts in this game of Lotto must be and are much smaller than those offered in the other described Lotto's hereinabove. (See below)

-   -   The probability for one specific number being drawn in the above         game is 1:10. Because there are 3 numbers to be chosen, in order         to complete the 3-digit single number in play, for example, the         number 243, three (3) different draws from the ten (10) number         universe of numbers is made.     -   The probability of matching, then, the 3-digit single number         being selected is the product of the three (3) ratios.         ${\frac{1}{10} \times \frac{1}{10} \times \frac{1}{10}} = \frac{1}{1000}$

Likewise, another, simpler example of common Lotto is in a single digit Lotto game where the object is to match a single number from a universe of, say, four (4) numbers, wherein one's chance of winning is 1:4 based upon one deal and draw from the stated universe of numbers. There is but one drawing here; no possibility of the same number being drawn twice. Jackpots are not possible here, and the usual award for matching the correct number is 3 credits for 1 credit wagered.

So, by way of a short summary:

In large Lotto's, large jackpots are possible, yes, but the chance of winning is very small, and most players actually feel the chance of being struck by lightening is better than winning the lottery. This makes the play of the game unattractive.

The chance of winning a 3-digit, single number Lotto (or any other multi-digit, single number Lotto) is likewise still pretty long, not nearly like the large Lotto's, but the perception of the game is that is appears to players to be more winnable. Still, at this level of play, jackpots are not large, known to be only in the moderate range. The same applies to 2-digit single number Lotto as well as all other Lotto's.

And, although the chance of winning a simple, singe digit Lotto is good, and the players perceive this to be the case, no jackpots are possible at this level, and, instead, only small awards are offered.

In the ordinary course, per the above, there is in Lotto only a single deal and drawing function in the play of the game. However, as shown above, in common forms of 2-digit, single number Lotto, and 3-digit single number Lotto, as well as in more-digit single number Lotto, there is employed more than one deal and draw, or number selection process, making it possible, in some games of Lotto, to see the same number called more than once.

This circumstance is of no matter to the present invention in that it finds ready application in all such forms of Lotto.

Also, in the play of any and all Lotto's employing more than one deal and draw, or number selection process, there are two varieties:

In variety No. 1, once a number is drawn from the number universe, it cannot be drawn again as it is thereby made absent from the pool of numbers of concern.

In variety No. 2, after each such deal and draw, or number selection process, the number so drawn is returned to the number of universe, and it can, thus, be re-drawn, again.

This circumstance is of no matter to the present invention and it finds ready application in all such forms of Lotto so long as the rules are set and followed from the outset of play.

2.2 The Problem with the Play of Casino Lotto, Live Action Table Play or Electronic Video Lotto

There are real, intrinsic drawbacks and related limitations in any and all of the aforesaid games of casino Lotto. These drawbacks and the resultant limitations are common to all varieties of Lotto in that all Lotto's are a product of the same sort of deal and draw process.

Understand that in traditional casino Lotto, played with a variety of numbers (usually 4 to 49) in the number universe, and drawing one (1) to six (6) numbers there from, whether single, double, or triple digit, per the above, depending upon the game, with players pre-selecting for wager purposes from one (1) to six (6) numbers, there are literally an infinite number of possible games and outcomes.

Players are aware that winning “big” at high stakes Lotto, (usually in the 6/49 format) is a real long shot, meaning there is a perception among players, and an accurate one, that the chance (or odds) of winning “big” at Lotto are extremely high and against the player. This is a major drawback to the game. Another drawback to the play of Lotto is that the customary game cannot and does not award many consolation prizes, and, if it does, there are in the usual course very few if any large consolation prizes and the smaller ones are just that, very small.

At the same time, there is in reality no chance whatsoever of winning “big” other forms of Lotto, those involving a quantity number of pre-selected numbers of and out of a smaller number universe per se. See the example above for one number, single digit Lotto, playing with a number universe of 4, wherein the highest possible payout is, ordinarily 3 credits or each 1 played in the game.

So, the upshot is that Lotto, even multi-draw Lotto, is in reality a one-dimensional game, meaning it is played on just one level, no more, involving the deal and the draw, and, as a result, the odds of winning even a small payout award are fairly long, and, at the same time, the odds of winning any sort of “big” jackpot payout are really, really long in “high takes” Lotto. And, in all other forms of Lotto, the ability to payout any sort of large jackpot per se is entirely absent from the game.

As a result, there is an overall lack of player interest and excitement in Lotto, both of which can be increased as a result of the methods employed by the present invention.

Although the future is always difficult to predict, the popularity of casino Lotto, live action or electronic video play, could further ebb relative to the other gaming alternatives now coming onto casino floors due to the aforesaid drawbacks and stated limitations.

It is the object of the related predecessor and present inventions to permit the operator of casino Lotto, in live action table play or electronic video Lotto, to do more with the games in these formats and to, thereby, provide players with an understandable and familiar game that captivates their interest while, at the same time, offering players new, exciting, and rewarding play, the real possibility of various large and small awards (payouts), and additional jackpots, including even mega jackpots and progressive jackpots, with or without linked game play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention extends, expands, and teaches new, and gambler-attractive, variant embodiments of the new game method for the play of any sort of live action or electronic video Lotto. The related predecessor inventions and applications contemplates a new game method for the play of any sort of live action or electronic video game utilizing the deal and draw feature, whether dealing and drawing cards, per the predecessor invention, or numbers, as in the present invention. With this invention, in addition to and without any changes to the basic and well-known underlying game and play thereof, here the game being Lotto, a player can win—either in a single game/stand-alone or in multiple linked and/or progressive game applications—additional awards, rewards, bonuses, prizes, large jackpots, even mega jackpots and/or progressive jackpots, at almost all levels of play, all with or without any additional wager or incremental increase in wager, depending upon the overall design of the game, per below. As a consequence, the well-known drawbacks of the game, here Lotto, are remedied in an obvious manner, transparent to the player, and, at the same time, the base game, and its otherwise popular features, remains unchanged.

All of the above is made manifest in what can be described as multi-level, simple Lotto, meaning that the game, per this invention, is no longer just a one dimensional deal and draw game, and, instead, is played as a multiple level deal and draw game.

In accordance with the predecessor and related inventions and applications, all these additional awards, rewards, bonuses, prizes, large jackpots, and even mega jackpots and/or progressive jackpots—generically called “supplemental jackpots”—may be won in the same game, and above the normally applicable award schedule in Lotto, with or, most commonly, without any increase in the wager, nor any placement of any additional wager. Clearly an important new element is brought to the play of Lotto. By bringing more levels and aspects to the game, more win possibilities, and more awards to the game, for the same and or only somewhat more out of the player's pocket, the overall perception of the game of Lotto is changed to a more positive image, being an image of a game that is fun to play, exciting, rewarding, and, in fact, actually winnable.

Moreover, the predecessor and related inventions and applications teach that this new game method is intentionally designed so that these supplemental jackpots are typically won comparatively (for the type of jackpot involved) quite frequently. This frequency immediately leads the player to believe, quite correctly, that he is playing and new and exciting kind of Lotto. At the same time, it should be noted that any and all payouts, bonuses, and or supplemental jackpots are fully funded in the game, as will be explained, and, as such, the game is still a high earner of gaming revenue for the operator.

1. A Recapitulation of the Predecessor and Related Inventions

Both players and regulators in the casino betting and wagering environment are keenly aware of and do monitor all aspects of the rules, and the conduct of play, of casino games including both (1) Lotto and (2) electronic video poker. The programmed computerized execution of the game of poker, in particular, and particularly the manner and fashion by which the variables of the game are both established and exercised including in the randomness of the draw, are all well understood for play of the game. In accordance with the related predecessor invention all this existing structure, and existing method of play, is preserved. The probabilities of the deal and the draw are considered sacrosanct. The predecessor and related inventions in no way change the essential play, and odds, of electronic video poker. (The present and related predecessor inventions will shortly be seen to conceptually change (actually to enlarge) the database of cards from which poker hands are drawn, but in a manner that clearly obviously be immediately understood to change the fundamental odds of drawing a particular poker hand in no way whatsoever.)

In accordance with the predecessor and related inventions the electronic poker payout table normally is changed, but even this is normally only in the numbers, and the ranks, of hands for which, most commonly, an even money payout is made. Namely, a threshold may be set below which pairs of a low rank will not qualify for a payout, and or any award for the same may be adjusted higher or lower, and or the overall pay table, and the customary stated payouts therein, may be adjusted. Notably, it is already known to so modify the payout table. Namely, casinos historically desiring to turn a higher profit on their video poker machines have for years eliminated the even money payoffs otherwise commonly made on hands containing only pairs of deuces, or even threes, or higher ranks. Just as these casinos do not modify the probability of drawing these hands by changing (eliminating or reducing) any pay-offs therefore, so also the present related predecessor invention in no way changes the probability of drawing any poker hand.

The predecessor and related inventions do, however, draw this poker hand from a space that may usefully be considered to consist of multiple decks of cards—say, for example, fifty (50) decks—as opposed to one single—1—deck of cards. Drawing from among these fifty decks is conducted by computerized process so that the probability of drawing any one hand is exactly the same as if drawn from one single deck. Clearly the probability of initially drawing, say, the ace of spades from one deck of 52 cards is exactly the same as drawings one of the 50 aces of spades present in 50 combined decks of 52 cards each deck. Cards of identical suit and rank to any card already drawn from the 50 decks are disqualified from being subsequently drawn. For example, if the first card drawn from the combined 50 decks is one of the 50 aces of spades then none of the remaining 49 aces of spades may thereafter be drawn, leaving the draw of the second card to be among the combined (1) 50 cards of each of the aces of hearts, diamonds and clubs, and (2) the 50 cards of each suit and rank, king though deuce, that remain. It is thus impossible to draw two or more cards of identical suit and rank—just as with a draw from a single deck—and all possible poker hands are of identical probability whether considered drawn from a single deck, or from a combined 50 decks, under the procedure just described. (In the play of card games, this is an important aspect of the deal.)

The reason that the predecessor and related inventions consider the draw to be from among multiple combined decks of cards—the here suggested 50 decks—when the drawn poker hand is indistinguishable in the suits Spades-Hearts-Diamonds-Clubs, and in the ranks, Ace through Deuce, of the cards contained is that some or all individual ones of the 2600 cards of the combined decks may be possessed of a secondary identify drawn from a group of one or more secondary identities. To explain, the primary identities of the 2600 cards, and each of them, are established by the (1) suit and the (2) rank of each such card—exactly as it always has been. This primary identity is overt, and clear, on the face of the card as shown on the monitor of a video poker machine—exactly as it always has been. More specifically, various symbols

♥,♦,

in colors {back; red} in ranks A-K-Q-J-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2 are displayed for each card, as is conventional.

However, in accordance with the predecessor and related inventions, certain cards of the 2600 are possessed of a secondary identity. For ease of representation, these secondary identities are called “colors”—nonetheless to possible confusion with the colors {black; red} that respectively accompany the suits

♥,♦,

) of the card's primary identities—these “colors” are most preferably drawn from one or more of other colors, such as Green, Purple, Blue, Orange and Yellow. Those cards having a second identity, or color, are displaced to the video poker player in a manner that is non-conflicting with, and not confusing, with the simultaneous primary identity of the card. For example, background of any card not having a secondary identity—which is normally the overwhelming majority of the 2600 cards—is normally displayed showing the background of the card as white—which is conventional. However, such individual ones of the 2600 cards as may have, by way of example, a secondary identity of “green” may conveniently be displayed with the background of the card shown as light green. Note how this display of secondary identity in no way interferes with the display, and the easy visual determination, of the primary identity of the card.

In accordance with the predecessor and related invention, pay-outs in the form of “supplemental jackpots” are made based on selected secondary identities of the composite cards of a poker hand or, more exactingly, on the second identities of the cards of the poker hand cards in combination with the ranks of these same cards. For example consider that one (only) of the 50 aces, let us say the ace of spades, within the combined 50 decks has a secondary identity of “Green”. Consider likewise that one only of the 50 Kings, one only of the 50 Queens, one only of the 50 Jacks, and one only of the 50 tens within the combined decks is also of the secondary identify color of “Green”. These cards may also be of suit “spades”, but they need not be. Now, if the probability of drawing a royal flush (A-K-Q-J-10) in spades (and in every other suit) is 1 in 2,598,960, what then is the probability of drawing a “royal flush” (still A-K-Q-J-10) that is also (and simultaneously if the cards made “Green” were all spades) in “Green”. The answer is that it is the odds that one of the required 5 useful Green cards of the 2600 cards will be first drawn, times the odds that one of the remaining 4 useful Green cards will next be drawn from the remaining 2599 cards, times the odds that one of the remaining 3 useful Green cards will next be drawn from the 2598 remaining cards, and so on. The odds of a “green royal flush) are (5/2600)×(4/2599)×(3/2598)×(2/5597)×(1/2596), or about 1 chance in 10 to the 15^(th) power (1 chance in a million billion). This is a very, very small number. Accordingly, the payout for a “royal flush in Green” may be made very high. With typical 5×$1 bet casino video poker machines paying out $4000 for a “conventional” royal flush, the supplemental jackpot for a “royal flush in Green” may easily be sent to $1,000,000, or more.

This adds a first “new dimension” to the play of casino video poker. Notably, calculation of the odds for this, and all other, hands based on the “secondary identities” of the cards is exactly analogous to the normal calculation of the odds of various poker hands. And, or course, the possibility that a poker hand should qualify for a “supplemental jackpot” in no way affects the quite independent odds that the poker had should qualify for a regular payout, and even a jackpot. (In actual practice casinos are expected to merge lesser payouts within larger payouts, and not to pay both. For example, for the “Royal Flush in Green” hand supercedes, and replaces, any payout for a normal and regular “Royal Flush”)

Notably in the related predecessor invention, any of (1) the numbers and primary identifies of cards bearing secondary identities, (2) the number of different secondary identities used, and (3) the numbers and natures of the “supplemental jackpots” paid on selected hands having cards of selected secondary identities may be greatly varied, essentially so as to mathematically control both the frequencies and the amounts of a potentially vast range of payouts of supplemental jackpots. Thus, although the probability of hitting the “Royal Flush in green” described in the preceding paragraph may be exceptionally small, it may be arranged so that other hands, and/or other secondary identities, incurring payouts (presumptively of much lesser amounts) are actually relatively frequent. There are a great number of ways to arrange these more frequent payouts, most of which are directed to making the player think that “but for” a different card he/she could have “scored” a gigantic supplemental jackpot.

As an extreme example of how this “second dimension” might work, consider that video poker machines normally have a significant payout for a straight flush. Indeed, this pay-out is, for normal hands based in primary identities, second in amount only to a royal flush, and most commonly in the amount of $250 for a wager of 5×$1 in poker. Now consider if, as well as the five cards making for a “royal flush in green” mentioned above, each of the deuce (2) though the nine (9) of each and all of the fifty decks was Green. There would be no straight flush ending in a nine high (or lower) that was not also, simultaneously, a “straight flush, nine high (or lower), in Green”. Straight flushes ending in nine (or lower) constitute a full 4/9 of all straight flushes that are possible, including royal straight flushes, and exactly 4/8, or ½, of straight flushes that are normally paid as such in video poker. Now there will also be some possible Green straight flushes that use any of the single cards within the deck of 2600 that are any of the Green 10, J, Q, or K of spades. But this is a minuscule number. Thus it might be imagined that a “straight flush in Green”—almost always nine high (or lower) might also be paid $250, or more. Yes this costs the casino money—which is recovered, as previously stated, by eliminating or adjusting a number of “even money” payouts and or other payouts in the game pay table. But what is important is that, suddenly, the number of “Green supplemental jackpots” has risen dramatically. The players soon learn that “supplemental jackpots based on Green straight flushes” are not all that rare on the video poker machines (so programmed) in accordance with the related predecessor invention. The natural tendency is to believe, after hitting a $250 supplemental jackpot on a Green straight flush (of, overwhelmingly most likely, low rank) that the “royal flush in Green” cannot be long in coming.

The game play in accordance with the related predecessor invention may also be set so that payouts, normally of differing amounts and frequencies of occurrence, also transpire for selected hands in (secondary identities of) any one or ones of purple, blue, orange or yellow.

The summary effect of the completely versatile, controllable, and mathematically rigorous payout schedules of the predecessor and related inventions based on the “secondary identities” called “colors”—of each card within multiple decks of cards is to give the owner/programmer of the video poker machine an immense degree of fine control over the poker gaming experience. Normally this experience is set both so that (1) big new payouts—called supplemental jackpots—based on card secondary identities become possible, while (2) pay-outs of lesser amounts simultaneously become possible. And, all this is, of course, without effect on the underlying game, and game play, of poker. The skilled casino owner and video poker machine programmer soon learns, in accordance with the teaching of the specification of this and the related predecessor patent application, that a player can be made to feel that supplemental payouts of a certain type are not all that rare. Indeed, they are not! The player may regard this as “extra” monies received from play, and may quite naturally wish to play all the longer, and harder, so as win a monstrous “supplemental jackpot” that is seemingly of the same order and type as the player routinely does win.

2. The Present Invention Extends the Predecessor and Related Inventions to the Game of Lotto

As stated in the previous section, both players and regulators in the casino betting and wagering environment are keenly aware of and do monitor all aspects of the rules, and the conduct of play, of live action and electronic video Lotto. In electronic video Lotto, the programmed computerized execution of the game, and particularly the manner and fashion by which the variables of the game are both established and exercised including in the randomness of the draw, are all well understood for play of the game.

In accordance with the related predecessor invention all this existing structure, and this existing method of play, is preserved. In that invention the probabilities of the deal and the draw are considered sacrosanct; in the present invention the probabilities of the draw are considered sacrosanct. The predecessor and related inventions, and the present invention, in no way change the essential play, and the odds, of live action or electronic video Lotto. The predecessor and related inventions, and the present invention, will shortly be seen to conceptually change (actually to enlarge) the database from which the draw is made, but in a manner that clearly and obviously in no way whatsoever changes the fundamental odds of drawing any particular outcome.

In the present invention, in order to enhance the game play of live action as well as electronic video Lotto, the draw process is sacrosanct. Players must know and understand this as true for the integrity of the game and for play of the game, per the present invention, to be played as true Lotto.

Now, in the ordinary course of the play of Lotto, either live action or electronic video Lotto, the draw involves a single universe of numbers, and the quantity of numbers therein, usually between four (4) and forty-nine (49), is not controlling. It is from this single pool of numbers, all being different numbers, that the draw (or draws) is/are made. In that all the numbers in the pool are different, in the usual case, no two drawn numbers in a single draw are the same, and this circumstance is most common in the play of the game of Lotto. (See below for more.) Hence, in the present invention, the deal and draw features are respected, and, in the play of the game of Lotto, per this invention, no two numbers drawn and put into play from the draw are the same.

Note in this regard, when the Lotto game involves the player pre-selecting a 2-digit number to match to the draw(s), or a 3-digit number to match to the draws(s), then, there are two (2) separate drawings from the same pool of numbers, each one totally new and independent of the other, and, in 3-digit number play, then, there are three (3) separate draws from the same pool of numbers, each one totally new and independent of the other. This means, for example, if the pool included the digits zero (0) to nine (9), then, in each independent draw, all ten (10) numbers would be present, thus, the same number could be called twice, unless, as in some Lotto games, any previously drawn number(s) are held out and not returned to the active pool of numbers. More on this point appears below.

Note further, however, that in some Lotto games, specifically, in the play of 2-digit number, 3-digit number, or more digit number play, there are two (2) separate draws, in 2-digit Lotto, 3 separate draws, in 3-digit number Lotto, and in more digit number play, more draws, again, all from the same pool of numbers. For example, zero (0) through nine (9), each one totally new and independent of the other, AND the same number can be drawn more than once in that after each number is drawn it is put back into the number universe before the next deal and draw. Hence, in adapting this form of Lotto game to the present invention, these draw features are likewise respected, and, in the play of this form of the game of Lotto, per this invention, the same number may be drawn more than once in that any and all drawn numbers are returned to the overall pool(s) of numbers before the following draw(s) is/are made.

With the above said, and in either alternative per the above, the following features of the present invention can be added nonetheless that the play of any game of Lotto, and Lotto, per se, remains the same at its core. However, in reality, the game of Lotto with these features and in accordance with the present invention becomes a multi-dimensional game, offering more features and excitement, and rewards than the standard game.

Witness the following:

Instead of just one (1) number universe of different numbers, numbering from, say, one (1) to four (4) to deal and draw from, in accordance with the present invention, more than one number universe of such different numbers is employed, in material form, in live action play, or in the electronic database, in electronic video Lotto. The quantity of number universes in the overall pool is not fixed, and, instead, is almost infinite. For example, in one configuration of this present invention, there could be ten (10) number universes, each with the same numbers, say, from one (1) to four (4).

As already stated, in one variety of single digit Lotto, there is only one draw, and no two like numbers are allowed to be drawn. Thus, in such a case, the overall play of the game in accordance with the present invention remains the same. However, in order to do so, and to add new levels of play to the game of Lotto, in accordance with the method of this invention, at least part or all of at least one (1) of the said number universes, making up the overall pool of numbers can be distinguished with some sort of special indicia, here, for example purposes, a color, being the color Yellow. The result is clearly that the draws is conducted among, and from nine (9) plain, white, or clear number pools and one (1) colored number pool, arbitrarily called a color “yellow” number pool.

It may be understood that the quantity and type of numbers in the number universe, and the number of universes in the overall pool, are not fixed and, indeed, are variable almost to infinity, and, in any case, the present invention finds equal application in all such variations.

Now, in the play of the game of Lotto in accordance with the present invention, the player pre-selects his or her number, and places a wager. The draw proceeds as usual. On one level, if the player matches his or her number to that number drawn than he or she is a designated winner. If not, the player loses.

In addition, consistent with the method employed of the present invention, if the player both (1) matches his or her number to that drawn (making him or her is a designated winner), and (2) the winning number so drawn is drawn from the Yellow universe, made up of more relatively more rare Yellow numbers, then, the player can win other, more, and or different prizes, bonuses, awards, even jackpots, all depending upon the design of the game per se.

Hence, in this example, the player would nominally be awarded 3 credits, more or less, for matching his number to the number drawn (1:4), assuming the drawn number came from one of the nine (9) indistinct number universes, however, the player would nominally be awarded 30 credits, more or less, for matching his number to the Yellow number drawn (1:40), assuming the drawn number came from the one (1) yellow number universe.

Now, as a result of the method employed by the present invention, the play of standard Lotto is made to be multi-level rather than single-level; more is in play. To wit, if the player not only matches his single number but also matches it to a Yellow number (per the above) drawn in the draw, then instead of winning just 3 small credits then he or she can be awarded much more, for example, 30 credits, more or less, even though the player is playing Lotto at a level wherein no such large payout has ever before been possible.

Thus, for example, if there are employed one thousand (1000) like four (4) number universes, one of which being differentiated by the said color Yellow, then winning by and with a Yellow number could pay upwards of 3000 credits, more or less.

The possibilities, then, are virtually endless.

Taking this example further, a look at the player, per the above, in the aforementioned 6/49 Lotto game, wherein he or she pre-selects just six (6) numbers against a forty-nine (49) number universe. If this player by chance achieves this objective and matches all six (6) numbers in the draw, then he or she is designated a big winner, either in live action or electronic format. If he or she fails to so match, then he or she loses. If he or she is a designated winner, per what has been set out above, he or she has truly beat very long odds, and is awarded with a very large jackpot, and, as already stated, the odds of this happening are millions and millions to one.

Now, as a result of the method employed by the present invention, thereby making the play of standard Lotto multi-level rather than single-level, more is truly in play in this game. To wit, with or without an increase in the player's wager and or with or without an incremental increase in wager or additional bet, depending upon the overall game design, wherein upwards of 4000 similar forty-nine (49) number universes are in play, with but one thereof distinguished by a special indicia or color, here arbitrarily called the color “Yellow”, if the player matches any of his numbers, one, two, three, four, five, or six of them, but also matches them to the said Yellow number(s) drawn in the deal and draw, instead of winning, in the ordinary 6/49 Lotto:

-   -   Nothing for 1 or 2 matched numbers,     -   Even money for 3 matched numbers,     -   A small award for 4 matched numbers,     -   A larger jackpot for 5 matched numbers, and, of course,     -   The main jackpot for 6 matched numbers,

The player will win something like this, more or less:

-   -   1000 for one Yellow number matched,     -   2000 for two Yellow numbers matched,     -   4000 for three numbers matched,     -   8000 for four Yellow numbers matched,     -   16000 for five Yellow numbers matched, and     -   32000 for six Yellow numbers matched.

The aforestated awards, and they can be higher or lower, can either supplant, or be in addition to, those awards paid in the ordinary course of Lotto play, although there could be different and various rules, in different game formats, for multiple wins and payouts.

Finally, a look at a 3-digit single number Lotto game (2-digit and 3-digit Lotto's are described above) where the object is to pick the correct number from 000 to 999, the chance of winning, as already mentioned, is 1:1000. (This is the same as if the Lotto game were played with a 1000 number universe, drawing just one number.) The player perception of 3-digit Lotto in general is more positive than it would otherwise be due to the fact that the odds of winning are, in a sense disguised from the player's view and not as obvious as in a straight 1000:1 game.

In this 3-digit single number Lotto game, the number universe is made up of only the numbers zero (0) through nine (9), being ten (10) numbers in total, and there are three consecutive draws to thereby arrive at the final 3-digit, single winning number, and, of course, any player in this Lotto would be required to pre-select and wager on his or her chosen 3 digit, single number, for example, the number 243. Jackpot awards are usually in the area of 250 credits for 1 credit wagered to 500 credits, more or less, for matching all three digits of the number in play. There are often no consolation prizes and or only one or two, and, in either case, the consolation prizes, in the ordinary course, pay even money back to the player, more or less, depending upon the game design. Thus, the play of the game has the hallmark of standard Lotto, and the same image, of being a game that offers to the player either a hard-to-win jackpot or, in the alternative, small consolation prizes, or nothing at all.

In 2-digit, 3-digit, or more-digit single number Lotto, there is by definition more than one draw, and the same number can, thus, be drawn more than once, all as if any previously drawn number is returned to the number universe prior to the next draw being made. It is possible, then, for the winning 3-digit single number to be, for instance, 222. The present invention finds application in any and all Lotto's, including these sorts of Lotto's, so long as the rules of the games are pre-set and followed.

Instead of just one (1) number universe of different numbers, numbering, per the above, from zero (0) to nine (9)) to deal and draw from, in accordance with the present invention, more than one such number universe of such different numbers is employed, in material form, in live action play, or in the electronic database, in electronic video Lotto. The quantity of number universes in the overall pool is not fixed, and, instead, is almost infinite, and, for example, in one configuration of this present invention, there could be ten (10) number universes, each with the same numbers.

In order to add new levels of play to the game of Lotto, consistent with the method of this invention, at least part or all of at least one (1) of the said number universes, making up the overall pool of numbers can be distinguished with some sort of special indicia, here, for example purposes, a color, arbitrarily being the color “Yellow”. The result is clearly that each draw is from among, and within, a combined nine (9) plain, white, or clear number pools and one (1) Yellow number pool. There could be ten (10) number universes, each with the same numbers, or, just as easily, a thousand (1000), more or less.

Now, with the method employed by the present invention in play, this standard Lotto is morphed from a single-level game to a multi-level game, and, as a result, the possibility of more variations and awards is created. To wit, if the player matches all three (3) digits of his single number but also matches it to a single Yellow number, per the above Lotto employing the said ten number universes for use in the draw, then instead of winning just 500 credits the player can be awarded much more, for example, 5000 credits, more or less, even though the player is playing Lotto at a level wherein no such large payout has ever before been possible. And, likewise, if there are employed in the play of the game one thousand (1000) like number universes, one of which being differentiated by the said color Yellow, winning by and with all Yellow numbers could pay upwards of 500,000 credits, more or less, depending upon the game design.

All of the above, per the present invention, remedies the various noted drawbacks of customary casino life action or electronic video Lotto, and, at the same time, brings new life, new anticipation, new excitement, and new reward to the play of simple Lotto. In particular, a player may desirably become more involved in assessing his betting card for both numbers, and also for number colors.

All of this is a great enhancement to the game of Lotto in that now, instead of offering the player the enticement of just one very large and very rare jackpot and several very small awards, mostly paying only even money, there is now present and offered to the player as an incentive to play multiple levels of payouts, not uncommon at all, many at least one thousand (1000) times, more or less, the entry wager, bet, or fee, more or less, to play the game, depending upon the game configuration per se. And, all of this is possible with or without an increase in the required wager, bet, or fee to play the game and or an additional wager, bet, or fee. However, the ability to make such an additional wager or bet in order to qualify for the Yellow number awards, and or to make such awards available only at maximum wager, bet, or fee level are all variations of the game of Lotto covered by the application of the present invention, and the aforesaid is a function only of the overall objectives of the game designer.

It should be noted that although the above example employs only a single distinguishing indicia, here arbitrarily defined as and called the color “Yellow”, more than one such indicia, or color, almost to infinity, can be employed pursuant to the method presented by this invention, hence all or part of one or more number universes can be so distinguished with some sort of special indicia, or colors, so there could, thus, be in play each and any of Yellow numbers, Orange numbers, Blue numbers, Purple numbers, Green numbers, and so on, and on, and on.

In this same regard, one more point should here be made before proceeding. In all of the above instances, the method of the present invention has demonstrated how to make either small or large winners into bigger winners. Still another recognized feature of the great variation in play in accordance with the present invention is the ability to make conventional losers into winners. This, from a game design standpoint, is all-important, and any game with this ability has strong competitive advantages over other like games. The method employed in the present invention has the inherent ability to do this, meaning to make losers into winners, depending upon the objectives of the specific game and the design, and, in this regard, there are an infinite number of variations all of which are subject to the method employed in the present invention.

Here is one example of just how this can occur: If only one or two of the said three (3) digits in the winning number match those pre-selected by the player, then the player in the ordinary course of play is either a loser, or, in the alternative, in the case of a two (2) number match, nothing more than a winner of an even money return. Now, if one or two of these numbers so drawn have a special indicia, or color, here the color Yellow, then, the player has matched some of his numbers to the more rare appearing Yellow numbers, hence he can be designated a winner of a very nice consolation prize. Say the player matches one number in the deal and draw, and the match is with a drawn Yellow number. In this case the player, instead of being a loser, could be designed a winner of a consolation prize of some value. In this instance, the player, in the ten (10) number universe variation, above, could be paid upwards of nearly 10:1, more or less, for each one wagered, and in the thousand (1000) number universe variation, above, could be paid upwards of nearly 1000:1.

The above sets out but a few examples of the possibilities created by this invention and the resultant multi-level Lotto experience envisioned by this invention. There are, of course, other variations to the application of the method of the present invention, and, again, each and all of them are within the scope of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a chart of a sample pay table for simple lotto in accordance with the present invention as conducted with single digit play in one single number universe of four numbers for a single draw, with pre-selection of one number,

FIG. 2 is a chart of a sample pay table for simple lotto in accordance with the present invention as conducted with single digit play in nine normal/uncolored number universes of four numbers each and one color yellow number universe of four numbers for a single draw, with pre-selection of one number

FIG. 3 is a chart of a sample pay table for simple lotto in accordance with the present invention as conducted with single digit play in a single number universe of forty nine (49) numbers for a single draw where no number is allowed to be drawn twice and there is pre-selection of six numbers

FIG. 4 is a chart of a sample pay table for lotto in accordance with the present invention as conducted with single digit play in 4000 normal uncolored number universes of 49 numbers each and one color yellow number universe of 49 numbers for a single draw, where no number allowed to be drawn twice and there is pre-selection of six numbers

FIG. 5 is a chart of a sample pay table for lotto in accordance with the present invention as conducted with sample pay table for simple lotto 3-digit single number play in one number universe of ten numbers (0:9) for three draws per game where there is pre-selection of one 3-digit number

FIG. 6 is a chart of a sample pay table for simple lotto in accordance with the present invention as conducted with 3-digit single number play in 1000 normal, uncolored single number universes of ten numbers (0:9) and 1 color yellow number universe of ten numbers (0:9) for three draws per game where there is pre-selection of one 3-digit number.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

1. The Present Invention Extends the Predecessor and Related Inventions to the Game of Lotto in all of Its Variations

Also as stated in previous sections, both players and regulators in the casino betting and wagering environment are keenly aware of and do monitor all aspects of the rules, and the conduct of play, of live action as well as electronic video Lotto. In electronic video Lotto, the programmed computerized execution of the game, and particularly the manner and fashion by which the variables of the game are both established and exercised including in the randomness of the deal and draw, are all well understood for play of the game. In accordance with the related predecessor invention all this existing structure, and existing method of play, is preserved. The probabilities of the deal and the draw are considered sacrosanct. The predecessor and related inventions, and the present invention, in no way change the essential play, and odds, of live action or electronic video Lotto. The predecessor and related inventions, and the present invention, will shortly be seen to conceptually change (actually to enlarge) the database from which the draw is made, but in a manner that clearly and obviously in no way whatsoever changes the fundamental odds of drawing any particular outcome.

In the present invention, in order to enhance the game play of live action as well as electronic video Lotto, the deal and draw process is sacrosanct. Players must know and understand this as true for the integrity of the game and for play of the game, per the present invention, to be played as Lotto.

Now, in the ordinary course of the play of Lotto, live action or electronic video Lotto, the deal and draw involve a single universe of numbers (whether or not there are multiple draws), and the number of numbers therein, which can vary, is not controlling. It is from this pool of numbers, for example, number one (1) to number forty-nine (49), all being different numbers, that the draw is made. The hallmark of this game, typically referred to as 6/49 Lotto, is that all the numbers in the pool are different, and in this game, per the above, no two drawn numbers can be the same. Hence, in the present invention, the deal and draw features in this game are respected, and, in the play of the game of Lotto, per this invention, no two numbers drawn from the deal are the same.

With the above said, the following can be added, and the play of the game of Lotto remains the same at its core, however it in reality becomes a multi-dimensional game, offering more features and excitement, and rewards than the standard game. Instead of just a single forty-nine (49) number universe of different numbers to deal and draw from, in the present invention, more than one such number universe of different numbers is employed, in material form, in live action play, or in the electronic database, in electronic video Lotto.

The number of forty-nine (49) number universes in the overall pool is not fixed, and, instead, is almost infinite, and, for example, in one configuration of this present invention, there could be two (2), or more, ten (10), or more, on and on, and, so long as the same number is not allowed to be drawn twice, the overall play of the game remains the same as if only one such forty-nine (49) number universe is in play. In the present invention, however, in order to add new levels of play to the game of Lotto, per the above, consistent with the method of this new invention, at least part or all of at least one (1), perhaps more, of the forty-nine (49) number universes making up the overall pool of numbers can be distinguished with some sort of special indicia, here, for example purposes, a color, being the color “Yellow.”

It may be understood that the type and number of numbers in the number universe, and the number of universes in the overall pool, are not fixed and, indeed, are variable almost to infinity, and, in any case, the present invention finds equal application in all such variations.

The result of the above, following the basic rule that no two drawn numbers are the same, is clear: the game of Lotto now is imbued with more than one dimension. In actual play of this Lotto, the same player referenced above pre-selects his or her numbers, six (6) and places a wager. The deal and the draw proceeds as usual, and fully six (6) numbers are identified. On one level, if the player matches his or her numbers to those drawn he or she is, of course, a designed winner. In addition, consistent with the method employed by this invention, if one, more than one, or all of the matching numbers so drawn were drawn from the Yellow universe, being Yellow numbers, then, the player can win other, more, and or different prizes, bonuses, awards, even jackpots, all depending upon the design of the game per se.

Here, by way of digression, an examination of the most simple form of Lotto play is in order, to further highlight the power of the present invention: to wit the player who marks his six (6) numbers in an effort to match that drawn in the deal and draw. If this player by chance achieves this objective and matches all his numbers to all clear, or white, number in the draw, he is designated a winner, in live action or electronic format. If he fails to so match, he loses. If he is a designated winner, per what has been set out above, he is a big winner of the jackpot

Again, in detail, taking this example further, a look at the player, per the above, in the aforementioned 6/49 Lotto game, wherein he or she pre-selects just six (6) numbers against a forty-nine (49) number universe. If this player by chance achieves this objective and matches all six (6) numbers in the draw, then he or she is designated a big winner, either in live action or electronic format. If he or she fails to so match, then he or she loses. If he or she is a designated winner, per what has been set out above, he or she has truly beat very long odds, and is awarded with a very large jackpot, and, as already stated, the odds of this happening are millions and millions to one.

Now, as a result of the method employed by the present invention, thereby making the play of standard Lotto multi-level rather than single-level, more is truly in play in this game. To wit, with or without an increase in the player's wager and or with or without an incremental increase in wager or additional bet, depending upon the overall game design, wherein upwards of 4000 similar forty-nine (49) number universes are in play, with but one thereof distinguished by a special indicia or color, here arbitrarily called the color “Yellow”, if the player matches any of his numbers, one, two, three, four, five, or six of them, but also matches them to the said Yellow number(s) drawn in the deal and draw, instead of winning, in the ordinary 6/49 Lotto:

Nothing for 1 or 2 matched numbers,

-   -   Even money for 3 matched numbers,     -   A small award for 4 matched numbers,     -   A larger jackpot for 5 matched numbers, and, of course,     -   The main jackpot for 6 matched numbers,

The player will win something like this, more or less:

-   -   1000 for one Yellow number matched,     -   2000 for two Yellow numbers matched,     -   4000 for three numbers matched,     -   8000 for four Yellow numbers matched,     -   16000 for five Yellow numbers matched, and     -   32000 for six Yellow numbers matched.

The aforesaid awards, and they can be higher or lower, can either supplant, or be in addition to, those awards paid in the ordinary course of Lotto play, although there could be different and various rules, in different game formats, for multiple wins and payouts.

It should be noted that although the above example employs only a single distinguishing indicia, here the color Yellow, more than one such indicia, or color, almost to infinity, can be employed pursuant to the method presented by this invention, hence all or part of one or more number universes (being eighty numbers, more or less), can be so distinguished with some sort of special indicia, or color, so there could, thus, be in play, Yellow numbers, Orange numbers, Blue numbers, Purple numbers, Green numbers, and so on, and on, and on . . .

All of the above, per the present invention, remedies the various noted drawbacks of customary casino life action or electronic video Lotto, and, at the same time, brings new life, new anticipation, new excitement, and new reward to the play of simple Lotto. In particular, a player may desirably become more involved in assessing his betting card for both numbers, and number colors.

In this same regard, one more point should here be made before proceeding. In much of the above instances, the method of the present invention has demonstrated how to make either small or large winners into bigger winners. Still, a recognized feature of a great variation in play is the ability to make losers into winners. This, from a game design standpoint, is all-important, and any game with this ability has strong competitive advantages over other like games. The method employed in the present invention has the inherent ability to do this, meaning to make losers into winners, depending upon the objectives of the specific game and the design, and, in this regard, there are an infinite number of variations all of which are subject to the method employed in the present invention. See the above pay awards as an example of this circumstance wherein previously non-winners indeed become winners, per the pays posted above.

The above is but one example of the possibilities made possible by this invention and the resultant multi-level Lotto experience envisioned by this invention.

2. An Embodiment of Lotto in Accordance with the Present Invention

When the Lotto game involves the player pre-selecting a single two (2)-digit number to match to the draw(s), or a single three (3)-digit number to match to the draws(s), then, there are two (2) separate drawings from the same pool of numbers, each one totally new and independent of the other, and, in 3-digit number play, then, there are three (3) separate draws from the same pool of numbers, each one totally new and independent of the other. This means, for example, if the pool included the digits zero (0) to nine (9), then, in each independent draw, all ten (10) numbers would be present, thus, the same number could be called twice, unless, as in some Lotto games, any previously drawn number(s) are held out and not returned to the active pool of numbers. More on this point appears below.

In some Lotto games, such as these, specifically, in the play of 2-digit number, 3-digit number, or more digit number play, there are two (2) separate draws, in 2-digit Lotto, 3 separate draws, in 3-digit number Lotto, and in more digit number play, more draws, again, all from the same pool of numbers. For example, zero (0) through nine (9), each one totally new and independent of the other, AND the same number can be drawn more than once in that after each number is drawn it is put back into the number universe before the next deal and draw. Hence, in adapting this form of Lotto game to the present invention, these draw features are likewise respected, and, in the play of this form of the game of Lotto, per this invention, the same number may be drawn more than once in that any and all drawn numbers are returned to the overall pool(s) of numbers before the following draw(s) is/are made.

With the above said and done, and in either alternative per the above, the following features of the present invention can be added nonetheless that the play of any game of Lotto, and Lotto, per se, remains the same at its core. And, in reality, the game of Lotto with these features and in accordance with the present invention becomes a multi-dimensional game, offering more features and excitement, and rewards than the standard game.

Consider the following in the above context:

Rather than just one (1) number universe of different numbers, numbering from, say, one (1) to four (4) to deal and draw from, in accordance with the present invention, more than one number universe of such different numbers is employed, in material form, in live action play, or in the electronic database, in electronic video Lotto. The quantity of number universes in the overall pool is not fixed, and, instead, is almost infinite. For example, in one configuration of this present invention, there could be ten (10) number universes, each with the same numbers, say, from one (1) to four (4).

And, as already mentioned, in one variety of single digit Lotto, there is only one draw, and no two like numbers are allowed to be drawn. Thus, in such a case, the overall play of the game in accordance with the present invention remains the same. However, in order to do so, and to add new levels of play to the game of Lotto, in accordance with the method of this invention, at least part or all of at least one (1) of the said number universes, making up the overall pool of numbers can be distinguished with some sort of special indicia, here, for example purposes, a color, being the color Yellow. The result is clearly that the draws is conducted among, and from nine (9) plain, white, or clear number pools and one (1) colored number pool, arbitrarily called a color “yellow” number pool.

Hence, it may be understood that the quantity and type of numbers in the number universe, and the number of universes in the overall pool, are not fixed and, indeed, are variable almost to infinity, and, in any case, the present invention finds equal application in all such variations.

So, in the play of the game of Lotto, all in accordance with the present invention, the player pre-selects his or her number, and places a wager. The draw proceeds as usual. On one level, if the player matches his or her number to that number drawn than he or she is a designated winner. If not, the player loses, being a non-winner.

In addition, consistent with the method employed of the present invention, if the player both (1) matches his or her number to that drawn (making him or her is a designated winner), and (2) the winning number so drawn is drawn from the Yellow universe, made up of more relatively more rare Yellow numbers, then, the player can win other, more, and or different prizes, bonuses, awards, even jackpots, all depending upon the design of the game per se.

Hence, in this example, the player would nominally be awarded 3 credits, more or less, for matching his number to the number drawn (1:4), assuming the drawn number came from one of the nine (9) indistinct number universes, however, the player would nominally be awarded 30 credits, more or less, for matching his number to the Yellow number drawn (1:40), assuming the drawn number came from the one (1) yellow number universe.

Now, then, as a result of the method employed by the present invention, the play of standard Lotto is made to be multi-level rather than single-level; more is in play. To wit, if the player not only matches his single number but also matches it to a Yellow number (per the above) drawn in the draw, then instead of winning just 3 small credits then he or she can be awarded much more, for example, 30 credits, more or less, even though the player is playing Lotto at a level wherein no such large payout has ever before been possible.

Thus, for example, if there are employed one thousand (1000) like four (4) number universes, one of which being differentiated by the said color Yellow, then winning by and with a Yellow number could pay upwards of 3000 credits, more or less!

The possibilities are virtually endless, and, of course, the present invention finds equal application in any and all of the same.

3. A Lotto Dictionary

Terms used in Lotto, and in the present specification, have the following conventional meanings.

Additional Number—Powerball is a good example of a lottery game that features an additional number. This additional number allows lottery players to win additional prizes if they choose this option. The additional number feature usually costs an extra fee.

Alerts—These days lotto players can have instant emails or messages sent to their computer or cell phone when their chosen lottery results are posted or other lottery related happenings.

Annuity—Some lotteries with large jackpots payout the super jackpot winners over the course of twenty or so years. This type of payout is called an annuity payout as opposed to one lump sum payment.

Any Order—Any order is a betting style that is the same thing as a box bet. This bet style allows players to match the winning lotto numbers in any order.

Bet—A bet is the transaction that takes place when a lottery player chooses numbers or a quick pick in exchange for the chance to win the lottery.

Betting Slip—A betting slip is the paper form that a lottery player fills out in order to receive their printed ticket.

Bonus Ball or Bonus Number—A bonus ball or bonus number is the same thing as an additional number. Immediately following the regular drawing an additional number or ball will be chosen allowing those lotto players who paid the extra fee the opportunity to win more prizes.

Box—A box is a reference to a wager on a particular group or combination of numbers.

Box Bet—Some lotteries have the option of placing a box bet, which allows the lotto player to win by matching the winning numbers in any order while the alternative is having to match the numbers in the exact order in which they were drawn.

Boxed—Boxed is a reference to the above box bet.

Boxing—Boxing is an option offered by some lottery games where you can play more numbers than the amount of numbers drawn and have them matched as such that if the winning numbers are among your numbers you are guaranteed to have matched them.

Break Open—A break open is the same as a pull tab. There are some lotteries that offer break opens, which are like scratch tickets except you lift a tab to uncover your winning numbers instead of scratching away a latex film. Break opens are instant win lotto games.

Cash Lotto—A cash lotto is a lottery game where winners are paid in one lump sum payment as opposed to annuity payments which are paid out over the course of many years.

Cash Option—The cash option is offered on most annuity jackpots whereby sacrificing a significant amount of the jackpot amount, the lotto jackpot winner may be paid in a smaller lump sum rather than the annuity payments over many years.

Cash Payoff—Cash payoff is the same as the cash option. Players may elect to receive one smaller payment of their jackpot prize amount instead of many smaller payments paid out over a long period of time.

Combo—Combo is a betting style that lotto players can choose when playing some lotteries. Choosing a combo play in effect buys you several tickets to cover all the possible wins for your particular lotto numbers.

Commission—Commission is the percentage of the price of the lottery ticket that retail outlets collect for selling the tickets.

Continuous Design—Some lottery tickets come in a set that forms a picture while they are connected.

Daily Game—Daily games are lottery games where there is at least one drawing per day. Some daily lotto games have more than one drawing per day like some of the pick 3 and pick 4 lotto games offered in the United States.

Double—Double is usually a reference to a series of lottery numbers that contain a pair of the same number. Many of the three and four number lottery games payout larger prizes for winning numbers that contain a double.

Double-Double—A double-double is a reference to a four digit lottery number that consists of two pairs of numbers. The odds of hitting double-doubles are much harder to beat so the cash prize amounts for these wins is generally larger than other winning combinations in the same lotto game.

Drawing—A drawing is when the winning lottery numbers are chosen.

Exact Order—Exact order refers to having to match the winning lotto numbers in the exact order in which they were drawn. Some lottery games like the pick three and pick four lottery games offer several options of ways to play your lotto numbers. The exact order play has a larger payout amount when it is won.

Exotic Numbers—Number combinations that very rarely happen like four of a kind in the four number lottery games are referred to as exotic numbers.

Fixed Payout—A fixed payout is a lottery cash prize amount that does not fluctuate with the number of lottery players that are playing at that time. The alternative payout is a pari-mutuel payout where the amount of the cash prize depends on how many players and how many winners there are. The prize amount is divided equally among the winners in the pari-mutuel system.

Form—The form is the slip of paper that the lottery player must fill out to get a lottery ticket.

Handle—Handle is a lottery reference to the amount of money bet when playing a video lotto terminal.

Instant Game—Instant games are lottery games that can be played, won and redeemed at the time of purchase. There are several kinds of instant win games the most common being instant win scratch tickets and instant win pull tabs.

Jackpot—The jackpot is the highest prize in a lottery game. Jackpots are paid either in annuity payments or in one lump sum.

Keno—Keno is a lottery game where players pick from one to ten numbers with cash prizes determined by how you play. The more numbers you play, the more money you could win, but fewer numbers carry better winning odds. Keno games are often played with drawings every few minutes so there are many opportunities to win.

Latex—The thin layer of film on instant scratch tickets that must be scratched off to reveal the results of the lottery ticket is made from a material called latex.

Lottery—A lottery is a game of chance rather than a game of skill whereby winners are chosen by randomly choosing a set of winning numbers and corresponded to number combinations purchased by lottery players. There are usually a variety of different size cash prizes for matching different amounts of the winning numbers.

Lottery Agent—A lottery agent is where lottery tickets are purchased retail.

Lotologist—A lotologist is a term referring to a person who studies lotteries and/or collects lottery items.

Lotology—Lotology is a term used to reference collecting lottery items like scratch cards.

Lotto—Lotto is a lottery game. Lotto games offer players the possibility of winning very large sums of money. Lotto players purchase a lotto ticket usually choosing some numbers and hoping to match them when the lotto results are drawn.

Lucky Dip—Lucky dip is like a quick pick in which the players lottery numbers are randomly generated by a computer.

Mega Ball—Mega Ball is another additional feature in a lottery game where for an extra fee players will have an additional number they can match for additional prizes.

Mint—Mint (or often abbreviated as Mt) is a lotology term referring to the condition of an instant scratch ticket that has not been scratched and still has all the latex undisturbed.

Multi-Draw—Multi Draw is an option that many lotteries are offering. Players who purchase a multi draw lotto ticket purchase lotto tickets for more than one drawing. Multi draw lotto players can choose their own numbers for each drawing or purchase quick picks which are numbers chosen by a computer.

Multi State Lottery—A multi state lottery is a lottery that is available in more than one state in the United States. These multi state lotteries usually have a much larger jackpot because of the large number of players from more than one state.

National Lottery—A national lottery is like a multi state lottery in that it is made available to more than one state and/or services the whole of a country.

Natural Selection—Natural selection is a lotto term used to describe a lotto ticket where the numbers were chosen as opposed to chosen by a computer at random like quick picks and lucky dips.

Net Machine Income—Net machine income is a reference used by video lottery players describing the amount of money played at a particular machine minus all the money won.

No Match Numbers—No match numbers refers to winning three and four digit lottery numbers that contain no doubles, double-doubles or triplets.

Numbers Game—Numbers game technically refers to almost all lottery games but more often numbers game is a reference to the three and four digit daily lotto games.

Odds—The odds are the chances of a lotto player winning the lottery.

Off-Line Game—An off-line lottery game is a lottery game that can be purchased and played without the use of a lottery computer terminal.

Online Game—An online lotto game is a lottery game that is part of a network of lottery computer terminals that are all linked to a central computer that keeps track of the lotto activity.

Oversize Ticket—An oversize ticket (often abbreviated as O/S) is a lottery ticket that is larger than the standard size lotto ticket. These oversize lotto tickets are generally special occasion lotto tickets offering more plays and higher payouts than normal.

Pairs—Pairs in lotto terminology usually refers to pairs play which usually occurs in the three and four digit daily lotto games. In pairs play, the lotto player will match the first two numbers, the last two numbers or first and last.

Pari-Mutuel—Pari-mutuel is a word that describes a system of paying out of winnings. Instead of a player receiving a pre determined prize amount for a certain winning number combination like a fixed payout betting system, the player would win an equal share of the prize pool with all the other winners of that combination.

Passive Game—A passive lotto game is the lottery game where a player buys a lottery ticket with numbers already printed on it and when the lottery drawing happens they find out if they've won.

Payout—Payout is the money or cash prize that a player wins for matching a certain combination of numbers.

Play Slip—A play slip is the card or slip of paper that lotto players must fill out with their chosen numbers in order to receive a lottery ticket.

Powerball—Powerball is a multi-state lottery game. The powerball is also the extra number feature of the game where players can win extra cash prizes by purhchasing the powerball feature.

Prize—A prize is usually the cash that lottery players win when they match the winning lotto numbers.

Prize Pool—A prize pool is the total amount of money that is available to be divided among the winners in a lottery game or drawing.

Pull Tab—Pull tabs, also called break opens are instant win lottery tickets, similar to scratch tickets because they are instant win lotto tickets. Pull tabs, instead of being scratched to see if they have won, the player would pull back a little perforated cardboard flap instead.

Quad—A quad is a four digit number that consists of the same number as in four sevens or four nines. In a four digit lotto game, quads are quite rare, according to probability, appearing only once every 2.7 years.

Quick Pick—A quick pick is a lottery ticket that lotto players purchase where instead of choosing the numbers themselves, the computer terminal randomly generates them for the player.

Recall—When a problem or a mistake has been made on a lottery game, sometimes the game will be removed from the retailers and recalled.

Reversals—Reversals is a term for scratch tickets that have mistakenly been printed on the back two times. One time in each direction.

Rollover—Many lotto jackpots, when not won, will carry over to the next drawing making the jackpot amount larger. This is referred to as a jackpot rollover.

Sample Void—A sample ticket is a lottery ticket that is given to lottery retailers so that it can be introduced to the players.

Sc—Sc is an abbreviation that scratch lotto ticket collectors use in reference to a scratch ticket with the latex scratched off.

Scratch Game—A scratch game is a lottery game where players buy a ticket and scratch away a latex film thus revealing the prize amount. Scratch games are instant win lotto tickets.

Spiel—A spiel is a common add on feature for some lotto games in Canada where for an additional charge the player will be given an extra set of numbers that add ways to win prizes.

Sports Lottery—Throughout the world a popular form of lottery game is played around sporting events and the results are determined by the outcomes of the sporting events. Football pools, Jai Alai and Toto are popular examples of sports lotteries.

Straight—A straight bet is an option on some lotteries where the player will try to match the winning numbers in the exact order in which they were drawn. The payout for these bets are larger than the other betting options because the odds are less in your favor.

Syndicate—A syndicate is a group of lottery players who play together as a team, sharing both the cost of playing as well as the prizes.

Systematic Form—A systematic form is a form that players fill out with seven to eleven numbers entered on it. These numbers are then generated giving the player lotto tickets with all the possible number combinations for those numbers.

Terminal—The lottery terminal is the computer that online lottery game tickets are printed from as well as redeemed. Scratch tickets must be validated thru them as well. All of the lottery terminals for a particular lottery organization are linked together to a central computer that stores and analyzes all the data.

Ticket—The ticket is the official printed slip of paper given to the lotto player with their lottery numbers printed on it. This ticket must be presented in order to claim winnings.

Tix—Tix is another term for Sc, which is an instant scratch lottery ticket with the latex scratched off.

Toto—Toto is a form of lottery game where the results are determined by the results of sporting events. Football pools and Jai Alai are also forms of lotteries like this.

Tree System—A tree system is a method of lottery play in which the player organizes their chosen lotto numbers in such a way as to not miss any of the possibilities when playing for a straight win.

Triple—A triple or triplets, also referred to as trips is a three or four digit number, usually in a three or four digit lotto game that has three of the same number in it.

Video Lottery Terminal—A video lottery terminal is similar to a video slot machine except the calculations are cone differently and the payouts are usually a printed voucher that can be redeemed for prizes from the retailer.

Virgin—Virgin is a term that refers to number combinations that have never been drawn. Usually when this reference is made it is about the daily games that use less numbers thus having fewer number combinations that have never been chosen.

Wheeling System—A wheeling system is a lottery play strategy by which a player will play a group of numbers of a dozen or so in combinations that ensure that if those numbers are drawn in any order or combination the player is going to win.

Wheel—Wheel is lotto slang used as a noun and a verb when referring to the wheeling system of lotto play.

Withholding—The withholding is what can be expected to be lost to taxes when a significant cash prize is won. For non residents in the United States the base tax rate is 38%.

Other terms are given their standard and common, dictionary, definitions.

In accordance with the preceding explanation, variations and adaptations of multi-level simple Lotto in accordance with the present invention will suggest themselves to a practitioner of the game design arts. For example, it is possible to vary both numbers and colors.

In accordance with these and other possible variations and adaptations of the present invention, the scope of the invention should be determined in accordance with the following claims, only, and not solely in accordance with that embodiment within which the invention has been taught. 

1. A lotto game CHARACTERIZED TN THAT a draw of different numbers are drawn from a multiplicity of universes of numbers with (1) each number universe having all the numbers normal to the lotto game, and with (2) at least one number within at least one universe also having a secondary indicia, or differentiator, that is of a one type from among one or more types each of which one or more types is called a “color”, the at least one number universe and the collective multiplicity of number universes thus having one or more “colored numbers”, wherein numbers from any of the multiplicity of number universes that are not associated with any secondary indicia, or differentiator, or color, are called “plain numbers”, wherein the lotto draw of different numbers can be entirely of plain numbers, but wherein the lotto draw of different numbers can also contain one or more numbers that are each of a color from among the one or more colors, wherein no two numbers of the lotto draw are the same whether plain or colored; and lotto wagers, or tickets, containing numbers matching the lotto draw sufficient for a winning payouts are paid as follows if a winning payout of the lotto ticket matches only numbers of the lotto draw that are plain numbers, then the winning payout is so based on normal and conventional payouts of the lotto game being played; but if a winning payout of the lotto ticket contains some predetermined quantity of numbers that match numbers of the lotto draw that are colored numbers, then the winning payout is increased above levels that would correspondingly be paid should the same winning payout of the lotto ticket have matched only numbers of the lotto draw that were plain numbers; wherein the game of lotto can be considered to have at least two levels because there is one winning payout for matched numbers that are plain numbers, but another and larger winning payout for the same matched numbers where and when some predetermined quantity of these matched numbers are also colored numbers.
 2. The lotto game according to claim 1 FURTHER CHARACTERIZED IN THAT the number of the one or more types of differentiators, or colors, is one, and this single differentiator is arbitrarily called the “color yellow”; wherein if a winning payout of the lotto ticket contains so many as quantity one of numbers that match at least one drawn number that is yellow in color, then the winning payout is increased; wherein because winning payouts on the lotto ticket are increased over normal levels should matched numbers for the winning payout include even but one yellow number the lotto game may be said to include one or more “jackpots” that are for winning payouts containing numbers that match drawn numbers that are yellow.
 3. The lotto game according to claim 2 FURTHER CHARACTERIZED IN THAT there exists at least one complete number universe of all the different numbers that are in use in the lotto game where all the numbers of universe are differentiated by the color yellow; wherein it is possible that a lotto draw of different numbers will contain two or more numbers that are differentiated by the color yellow; wherein it is possible for a single lotto ticket to contain as winning numbers a plurality of numbers that match the two or more yellow numbers of the lotto draw; wherein a lotto ticket with winning numbers that include even but one yellow number increases the winning payout, but a lotto ticket with wining numbers that match two or more yellow numbers of the lotto draw increases the payout even more.
 4. A method of conducting a lotto game comprising: first drawing the full set of different numbers for the lotto game, called the lotto draw, from a multiplicity of universes of numbers, with (1) each number universe having all the numbers normal to the lotto game, and with (2) at least one number universe having associated with at least one number of this universe a secondary indicia, or differentiator, that is from among one or more types of differentiators each of which differentiator types is arbitrarily called a “color”, this at least one universe thus having one or more “colored numbers” each being of a particular one among one or more colors, wherein numbers from any of the multiplicity of number universes that are not associated with any secondary indicia, or differentiator, or color, are called “plain numbers”, wherein no two numbers of the lotto draw are the same whether plain or colored; but wherein the lotto draw of different numbers can also contain one or more numbers that are each of a particular color from among the one or more colors; and then paying lotto wagers, or tickets, containing numbers matching the lotto draw sufficient for a winning payout as follows if a winning payout of the lotto ticket matches only numbers of the lotto draw that are plain numbers, then the winning payout is so based on normal and conventional payouts of the lotto game being played; but if a winning payout of the lotto ticket contains some predetermined quantity of numbers that match numbers of the lotto draw that are colored numbers, then the winning payout is increased above levels that would correspondingly have been paid should have the same winning payout of the lotto ticket have matched only numbers of the lotto draw that are plain numbers; wherein the game of lotto so conducted can be considered to have at least two levels because there is one winning payout for matched numbers that are plain numbers, but another and larger winning payout for the same matched numbers should some predetermined quantity of these matched numbers also be colored numbers.
 5. An electronic lotto game comprising: one or more numbers, called the Lotto draw, are selectable from a conceptual database of possible numbers containing a plurality of number universes with (1) each number universe complete with all the different numbers for the lotto game, and with (2) at least one number universe having associated with at least one number therein, a secondary indicia, or differentiator, that is of a one type pre-selected from among or more types each of which types is called a “color”, this at least one number universe, and thus the conceptual database of all possible numbers, thus having one or more “colored numbers” each of which colored numbers is of the one or more colors; an electronic computer for drawing the a full set of different numbers for the lotto game, called the lotto draw, from this conceptual database, where (1) the numbers from any of the multiplicity of number universe that are not associated with any secondary indicia, or differentiator, or color, being called “plain numbers”, (2) no two numbers of the lotto draw are the same whether plain or colored, but (2) the lotto draw of different numbers can also contain one or more numbers that are each of a one color from the one or more colors; and a computer paying lotto wagers, or tickets, that contain numbers matching the lotto draw sufficient for a winning payouts as follows if a winning payout of the lotto ticket matches only numbers of the lotto draw that are plain numbers, then the winning payout is so based on normal and conventional payouts of the lotto game being played; but if a winning payout of the lotto ticket contains some predetermined quantity of numbers that match numbers of the lotto draw that are colored numbers, then the winning payout is increased above levels that would correspondingly have been paid should the same winning payout of the lotto ticket have matched only numbers of the lotto draw that were plain numbers; wherein the electronic lotto game can be considered to have at least two levels because there is one winning payout for winning numbers matching the lotto draw that are plain numbers, but there is another and larger winning payout for the same winning numbers should some predetermined quantity of these winning numbers also be colored numbers that are within the lotto draw. 